One Little Word 2011
My 2011 necklace from the lovely Lisa Leonard. Get one for yourself here.
My word for 2011 is light.
This year my word sure seemed to choose me.
Most years I start thinking about my word for the following year in November or December. I think about it in passing and start listening, looking, and being open to the possibilities of a new word.
This year the word light seemed to be trying to catch my attention.
I found it in books, in magazines, in music, in conversations and in quiet moments.
So I'm going with it. It's already surprised, delighted, challenged and sparked some new things within me.
Some years I've had to look harder or listen longer or simply choose one that fit with what was on my mind and heart at that moment. There's no right or wrong. The main thing to remember is that this is your word. It's not for your child, parent, partner, spouse, sister, etc.
And what do you do with this one little word?
You live with it. You invite it into you life. You let it speak to you. You might even follow where it leads. There are so many possibilities.
I'd love to read what word you've chosen or are considering for 2011. In the comments feel free to simply leave your word as your comment or write a bit about why you are choosing this word.
In a couple of days I'll post a compilation of the words as an inspirational reminder to us all.
If you’re new to the concept of One Little Word, you can read some of my previous posts here: 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.
NEW FOR 2011 : ONE LITTLE WORD at BIG PICTURE CLASSES
I'm excited to be offering a brand new One Little Word online workshop through Big Picture Classes in 2011 as a way to connect with and honor our words throughout the year.
Each month you'll receive a prompt with a simple creative project and a gentle reminder to check back in with your word. By the end of the year you'll have compiled the contents of an 8.5x11 album that documents, defines, celebrates and generally makes your word more visible. Workshop materials include printable elements, full-color PDF handouts, and video presentations.
People have been asking me if you have to be a scrapbooker for this class. My answer is no. Even though we are making an album it's really more of a journaling/record keeping/thinking/exploring project. I'm excited to see how people interpret the prompts and make them meaningful for their own lives.
This is not complicated and it's not time-consuming. It's simply a way we can come together to share our experience with our words throughout the course of the year.
The One Little Word classroom opens on January 1, 2011.
http://kisiwa.blogspot.com/2010/12/december-daily-2010-day-31.html
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Explore!~ and thats with the exclamation point....I plan on doing it with gusto!
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Prioritize--I failed a lot in this area last year and I realized that failing to prioritize causes me a lot of stress and creates chaos where there doesn't need to be any. My family also falls victim to my lack of planning ahead and focusing on those tasks, little and bit, that will move us ahead and get us where we want to go. This word will be posted in numerous places--my planner, my prayerbook, my bathroom mirror--to remind me of my focus for the year.
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I absolutely love picking my word of the year! This will be my third time taking part, and this year my word is "happy". So often I find I crawl into bed at night and realize that I didn't take a few minutes to do something that makes me truly "happy", like snuggle on the couch and watch TV with the kids, read a chapter of my book, scrap a page or two, knit a bit, or have a quick bubble bath. I need to make these things more of a priority. Also, we'll be moving to a new town this year, and I need the reminder that as daunting as that will be, all I truly need to be happy are my kids and my darling husband!
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My word is Contentment. I found this definition that spoke to me: "A heightened sense of appreciation brings contentment. Contentment is the brother of peace; it is finding great joy in what you already have without thought or demand for more. The man who counts his blessings far sooner than his burdens and seems to always have enough, that man is content." And another, "is a feeling of calm, peaceful satisfaction."
This is my first time choosing a word, and I'm really looking forward to this project!
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[...] working on the One Little Word list and hope to have that posted on Monday morning. Feel free to continue adding your words throughout [...]
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My word for 2011 is INVEST. I want to identify the things that really matter in my life and spend my time, energy and passion in those areas. I have ideas for investments in my relationships, self-care, career, etc.
I registered for the One Little Workshop, too. I can't wait to see what the year holds in store!
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Last year, I chose 'true' as my word. True to myself, coming off a life changing few years.
This year, my word is 'focus'. Building on all of the changes last year brought and making them even more wonderful :)
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magic.
2011 will be amazing.
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"FEEL" because it's been too long
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My word is "possibility". I was in a yoga class right before Christmas and the teacher was asking, "what are you inviting into your life, into your heart in this pose? Is it love? Is it possibility?" And that phrase has been ringing to me ever since. This year I will invite possibility into my life without fear.
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I'm going to choose "Nurture" as my word. I want to nurture my relationships and nurture myself- my mind, body and spirit. I think doing these things will set me up for a healthy, happy life full of richness. :-)
Happy New Year!
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CoMmIt! Working on my dad's encouragement and admonition from long ago "I don't doubt your ability, I question your commitment to get the job done". Ah yes, thanks for the kick in the pants, dad! :)
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This is the first year I've done this, but I choose "QUe Sera" I know it's two words, but it fits my life perfectly right now...I am going through a divorce and having to start over...What's meant to be will be
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Mi palabra es NUEVO, este año para mi va a ser como empezar una nueva vida, va a haber una nueva personita, un nuevo lugar de trabajo, cientos de nuevos momentos, nuevas sensaciones, nuevos sentimientos. Sin duda, esa es mi palabra.
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FLOURISH - personally and professionally :)
1. Grow or develop in a vigourous or healthy way
2. Be successful in a specified period
3. Wave about in a noticeable way *waves*
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My word for 2011 is play.
Happy new year, ali!
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Flow.
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I am going with the word SERIOUSLY for the next year. As in when someone gives you amazing news that leaves you feeling some disbelief and you respond with a question in your voice, “Seriously?”. I also think of all the things my grandchildren are learning and the intensity that shows on such young faces as they concentrate. Seriously. I realize I’m looking at an adverb and it can modify lots of other words. So the focus is on the description of how I embrace my activities, learning, quests, challenges, joys, gifts. At the same time there is just a hint of jest, especially when said with one eyebrow raised and the question in the voice, “Seriously?” ;>
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Courage. I want to have Courage to try things I have never tried, do things I didn't expect that I would do, accomplish things that I want to accomplish, and succeed in reaching all my goals. I want to have big plans for 2011 and without the Courage to step outside my comfort zone, I will probably not be successful. First stop tomorrow (or tonight)--making that list of goals for 2011.
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My word for 2011 is Remember. I ordered a necklace from Lisa Leonard and have signed up for your class. Looking forward to a year to Remember
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My word for 2011 is Embrace. Embrace all the God has provided me. Embrace the little moments I'll have with my baby boy who is due in January. Embrace the new traditions we will have with this baby and embrace old family traditions as well. Embrace life's journey and its detours.
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Thank you Ali, as always, for hosting this prompt. It's really shaped my creative life for the past couple years.
For this year, I am choosing my very first verb. (Took me long enough!) My word will be create!
My New Year's goals all flow from that word choice: creating something every day, creating connections for my recently published poetry book Blameless Mouth and creating a draft of a new poetry manuscript.
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My one little word is cultivate. To grow and cultivate the life I want.
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Ok, I think the word is OPEN. I have come out of a really dark few years. I am starting a new career, instead of family gatherings for devastating funerals we are gathering to celebrate my little sister's wedding who is moving to my city YEAH! I have been in my own head, by being OPEN I am ready to re-connect to my family, friends and business associates in a brand new way. Out with the dark, in with the real me that is inside. I'll be an OPEN book and will be OPEN to new things, happiness and whatever comes my way.
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